Google Pranks Users With April Fool’s ‘Gmail Motion’ Joke

Google's annual April Fool's gag might actually be useful in real life.

Google continued its decade-plus-long tradition of April Fools' Day pranks this year, pulling a fast one on its users yet again with an innovative idea that may actually have useful implications.

Google.com's homepage boasts a small link under the search box that reads "New! Gmail Motion: Turn your email into a true body of work."

The link takes users to a blog post introducing Gmail Motion Beta, which Google says offers "a new way to communicate."

"The mouse and keyboard were invented before the Internet even existed," Google writes. "Since then, countless technological advancements have allowed for much more efficient human computer interaction. Why then do we continue to use outdated technology? Introducing Gmail Motion — now you can control Gmail with your body."

The proposed idea would turn your laptop into a variation on the Xbox Kinect concept, as you would use your body motions to instruct your Gmail client on what to do.

According to the Gmail Motion webpage, “Gmail Motion uses your computer’s built-in webcam and Google’s patented spatial tracking technology to detect your movements and translate them into meaningful characters and commands. Movements are designed to be simple and intuitive for people of all skill levels.”

Google also duped users by premiering Google Docs Motion, a feature that "will let you use your body to control Google Docs and will launch with a number of key features."

This year's prank may have earned the "most confusing" award, given that the design could actually prove useful for some less adept with a keyboard.